Shopping for new clothes can be therapeutic, allowing us to refresh our wardrobes. However, new clothes can be costly, often forcing us to choose lower-quality fabrics or second-hand items. The second-hand clothing market has resultantly grown significantly in the country over the years.
The expansive second-hand market in Kenya includes a diverse range of clothing, from babies to women’s and men’s attire. Known as “Mitumba,” these clothes can be a financial lifesaver, but are you aware of the potential diseases associated with wearing them?
As our skin gets in contact with these clothes, we become prone to contracting fungal infections. Ringworms are the most common skin infection one could have after wearing mitumba. We rarely know the previous owners of the clothes we buy or their condition, leaving us vulnerable to potential skin infections.
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Another condition that one can get due to these clothes is vaginal candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection. This condition can only be contracted by women. It is mainly caused by wearing second-hand innerwear.
The third condition one could contract is dermatitis. This is where the skin becomes swollen and irritated, leading to dryness and itchiness. The use of medical dermatitis creams will clear this out. A consultation and prescription from a doctor is recommended.
To prevent contracting any infection from your clothes, it is important to disinfect them before wear. Disinfectants such as the bleach Jik or Dettol will do the trick.
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